Clinical Neuropsychologist
Understanding and supporting the cognitive and emotional effects of neurological conditions
The basics
What is a clinical neuropsychologist?
A clinical neuropsychologist is a psychologist with specialist training in how the brain works and how brain injury or illness affects thinking, memory, attention, emotions, and behaviour. They are not the same as a general psychologist - they have deep knowledge of neurology and how different parts of the brain control different functions.
After stroke, brain injury, or conditions like MS or Parkinson's, people often experience changes in memory, attention, processing speed, problem-solving, mood, or personality. These changes can be invisible but profoundly impact daily life - work, relationships, confidence. A clinical neuropsychologist understands why these changes happen and how to support them. They can assess cognitive function in detail, provide diagnosis-level understanding, recommend rehabilitation strategies, and offer therapy to help you adjust emotionally.
Neuropsychologists often work in hospitals, specialist brain injury services, or privately. They are crucial members of the rehab team - they help explain what's changed, why it's changed, and what can realistically be recovered or compensated for. They work closely with physiotherapists, OTs, and other therapists to support your whole recovery.
Who benefits
Who might benefit from seeing a clinical neuropsychologist?
If you've noticed changes in your memory, concentration, ability to think clearly, mood, or personality - or if people around you have mentioned these changes - a neuropsychologist can help. They can assess what's changed, explain why, and work with you on strategies and acceptance. You don't need a formal diagnosis; changes in cognition after any neurological event warrant a neuropsychological assessment. Paediatric neuropsychologists also work with children with developmental or acquired neurological conditions.
What to expect
What happens in a session?
Detailed Cognitive Assessment
Your neuropsychologist will conduct a series of tests and tasks to assess memory, attention, processing speed, problem-solving, language, and other cognitive abilities. This takes time (often several hours across multiple sessions) but gives a detailed picture of your cognitive profile.
Feedback Session
Once all testing is complete, you'll have a detailed feedback session. Your psychologist will explain what the results mean in plain language, help you understand what's changed and why, and discuss realistic expectations for recovery or compensation.
Recommendations & Rehabilitation Planning
Based on the assessment, they'll provide specific recommendations for your rehab team, suggest cognitive rehabilitation strategies, recommend assistive technology, and help plan your rehabilitation journey.
Therapy & Adjustment Support
Many neuropsychologists also offer ongoing therapy to help you adjust emotionally to changes, work through grief or frustration, build coping strategies, and process the experience of brain injury or illness.
Finding support
How do I find a clinical neuropsychologist?
In the UK, clinical neuropsychologists often work in hospital brain injury units, stroke services, neurology departments, and private practice. You can ask your GP or neurologist for a referral. Specialist brain injury units and stroke centres almost always have access to neuropsychology services. Private neuropsychologists are also available, though they can be expensive as assessments are thorough and time-intensive.
Look for someone who is registered with a professional body (like the British Psychological Society's Special Interest Group in Neuropsychology). The My Rehab Journey directory lists clinical neuropsychologists across the UK - you can see their qualifications and experience with specific conditions.
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a neuropsychologist and a psychologist?
A neuropsychologist specialises in how brain injury affects thinking, memory, and behaviour. A general psychologist supports emotional wellbeing. A neuropsychologist's expertise in brain function and recovery makes them essential after neurological injury.
Do I need a referral to see a neuropsychologist?
Through the NHS, you'll usually need a referral from your GP, neurologist, or rehabilitation team. Privately, you can self-refer. Ask your team at hospital or your GP for recommendations.
What qualifications should I look for?
Look for BPS registration (British Psychological Society) and specialist training in neuropsychology or clinical neuropsychology. Some have membership in the Special Interest Group in Neuropsychology.
How long does a neuropsychological assessment take?
Thorough assessments take several hours, often spread across 2-4 sessions. The testing is detailed because it maps your cognitive profile precisely. This information guides your whole rehabilitation approach.
Will my assessment show whether I'll recover?
The assessment shows what's currently affected and what's preserved. Recovery is individual and depends on many factors. Your neuropsychologist can discuss realistic expectations based on your injury and what rehabilitation can achieve.
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Conditions we work with
Stroke · Brain Injury · FND · Dementia
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